LOGINIf I were in Chancé's shoes, I would also be conflicted. Oh wait! I was!
After our emotional talk, Cortney decided we needed air.There was no ice cream left in the fridge, so we walked to the supermarket that is just a few minutes from the Dawson mansion, picked up a cup each, and grabbed a few more to store for later.I feel a quiet sadness knowing I didn’t get to see River. Didn’t even get a minute to slip away and check on him. But I wouldn’t bring it up. I couldn’t. Not without Cortney’s eyes narrowing in that way they do when she’s piecing something together.So I keep it where it belongs — tucked away, in my secretive mind.Cortney inhales the evening air as we step out of the supermarket, her cup of ice cream in one hand, her face tipped slightly upward. “I missed this,” she says. Then she turns to me. “And I cannot wait for midterm break.”“That’s still a few weeks away, Cort. Tests are next week. Exams are two weeks after that. Before we know it—”She links her hand through mine and throws her free arm into the air. “Midterm break!” she squeaks.
Maybe my mind made a very rash decision when I decided to speak out and object Sasha’s offer in front of everyone.Our little pretend friendship has been peaceful and good so far. But Sasha will always be Sasha — controlling, arrogant, beaming with pride. And if I hadn’t done it today, the day would have definitely ended with me joining her squad. Becoming part of her minions. Losing whatever little ground I’ve managed to stand on.I shake my head at the thought as Cleo drives us home. Imagine having to dye my hair blonde or red and doing Sasha’s bidding. Imagine that being my life.A quiet sigh pulls me out of my thoughts. I turn my head.Cleo’s eyes are still on the road. “I wish we could have stayed.” Her voice is soft. Not accusatory, just honest. “I wanted to see what games would come next. It would have been so much fun to be on Sasha’s Instagram.” She glances at me briefly before her eyes return to the road. “But I’m very proud of you for standing up to her. That takes real bal
The door to Sasha’s closet is already open from the girls before me, and I step inside and stop.It’s enormous.Racks and racks of pink — every shade imaginable. Blush. Fuchsia. Dusty rose. Hot pink. Barely-there pink that almost looks white. The shoes are arranged on shelves along the far wall, lined up like a display. Bags hang from hooks. Jewelry sits under a glass case near the vanity mirror. I think she just set this up because of girls time. I stand in the middle of it and feel completely lost.My eyes move across the racks. I pull out a structured blazer, but it’s too similar to Pristina’s. I push it back. I find a ruffled midi skirt, but it has too much volume. I find a sequined mini dress and immediately put it backI pull out a slip dress and pause.What would Cortney pick?The thought lands quietly and stays there. I look around the closet again, but this time with different eyes. Cortney doesn’t chase trends like Sasha. She doesn’t pile things on. She finds the thing tha
Seven minutes ago, Sasha started the first activity.The rules were simple — and I say simple loosely, because nothing about this felt simple when she announced it.Go into my closet. Pick anything pink. Style it. Jewelry allowed. Belts allowed. Boots, heels, bags — all fair game. Then walk back out and own it.The girls had screamed like she just announced a giveaway.I had blinked.Cleo had grabbed my arm so hard I felt it in my bones.Now in the living room, everyone had taken their spot. Some girls sunk into the plush pink couches, legs crossed, drinks in hand. Others settled on the floor like it’s the most genuine thing, which, in a house like this, maybe it is. A few leaned against the window ledge, the afternoon light catching the shimmer of their outfits.Pristina drags one of the dining chairs from across the room and positions it a little further from everyone else. Like she needs distance to properly observe. Or maybe she just doesn’t want to be touched.I get that. She is
*** ~~~CHANCÉ~~~ *** Saturday finally came. I've been dreading it because of Sasha's party. I've been expecting calls or texts about cancellations—but none came. Only a reminder from the stupid group chat she added me to. I walk back into my room after breakfast with my mom. Dad left for work early and slipped me some cash—"for fun," he said, while I'm at Sasha's. I lied about who she was. If I told them the truth, they'd start lecturing me about how deceptive rich people can be. Well. Cortney is the exception. She's the only rich girl my mother can vouch for. I guess because she's a fan of Cortney's mother. Anyway, I pick up my phone and call her—a reminder about the party. I really need my guardian angel with me if I want to survive at Sasha's. It dials once. Twice. On the third ring—right as I'm about to cut the call—it picks up. Cortney's voice comes through. Tired. Maybe sleepy. Maybe my call woke her up. "Hey, Chancé." "Uh… still sleeping?" "Actually, no." "Shocking.
My eyes flip open at the sound of beeping.I've heard this before. It's like déjà vu—the same rhythm, the same sterile hum. My body hurts. Like someone took a bat to every joint and walked away smiling. My blurry gaze clears. I glance around the room. It’s empty. I close my eyes—and it all comes flooding back. Me ripping the needle out of my hand because of my anger at my dad. Cortney’s voice. I raise my hand, and a needle sits in a different spot than last time. Fresh puncture. And underneath it—a little plaster covering the old wound.Right. I was bleeding when I ripped it out."Here goes my weekend." A low moan rips through me. I let my head fall back against the pillow.I already know I won't get discharged until Monday. Or another week—if my dad decides to play the good father for once.I doubt that.He'll fucking have me back home by tomorrow. In time for hockey practice. I didn't even get to celebrate our win. And by Monday, the tutoring with Chan will get serious.Can I cat
The news of Daniel Marrius's arrest shocked me when I saw it on my phone. I turned my head to my sister to check if we got the same news because her phone beeped at the exact same time.She had a shocked look on her face too."This could ruin him," Cortney says.I nod, still in a daze about how this
***~~~River~~~***The sound of beeping is all I hear. It starts to get louder and louder — like a bomb has been set to blow off.A bomb!I gasp awake. At first, everything is blurry, but I'm quick to feel the pain shooting through my body. A low groan leaves my lips, and now I can see my surround
***~~~RIVER~~~***I was bluffing when I said I quit hockey.I only realized how much I was bluffing an hour and a half before the game. It came to me suddenly — like a revelation. Like seeing an angel in the sky.But the truth is, it was my hatred for Ricky taking my spot. Having what belongs to
The bell finally rings, and the noise begins again. Everyone involved in the play runs down to the auditorium.The class we just finished was pottery — an elective, so River didn't show up. He's not taking it.Cortney and I find our way to the auditorium and take our seats. The hall is still very n







